Is it ok for kids to chase ducks?

[QuackersQuestion]

Today at a family attraction, there were quite a lot of ducks, and a big lake. Lots of space for kids to run around.

Two primary age kids were chasing ducks around. The parent was loosely with them, could see what the kids were doing, and allowed the kids to continue to chase the ducks. Probably for about five minutes. No contact made with the ducks, just chasing right behind.

Another member of the public came into view, with their own family. And called out firmly but calmly to the two kids "Don't chase the ducks, that's wrong". This was the only person to comment out of quite a few passers by.

The kids ran away, the parent was shocked but said nothing, the commenting member of public kept walking. No great drama.

But it got me thinking. So my question is, is it bad for kids to chase ducks - YABU. Or is it ok for kids to chase ducks - YANBU. If you don't think it's ok, would you tell a kid who was chasing ducks, to stop?

No it's not ok to cause stress to wildlife.

It is never acceptable to chase wildlife, and I have, and would again, tell children not to harass animals.

I would, and have, told children to stop when the chasing was persistent and prolonged.

I wouldn’t police the other children if the parent was there, but I absolutely wouldn’t let my children do this.

No it is never OK to cause animals distress and awful parents just letting there kids do it

No. I see kids chasing ducks, and also pigeons. One time, a kid was trying to stomp on pigeons, and the parent was not stopping them at all.

Kids should be taught to be respectful of the wildlife that share the space with us.

This is something that really bothers me and I just can't tell why it doesn't seem to bother other people! I hate seeing children chase birds and go uncorrected - it causes the birds some distress and just seems to teach the children the entirely wrong thing about interacting with and caring for other living creatures. I wouldn't let any child in my care do it. I don't tend to discipline other people's children so haven't said anything when I've seen it but I wouldn't rule it out!

YABU I don't allow my children to chase ducks.

I try not to tell other peoples' children off but I might do in this scenario, depending on the exact circs and my mood at the time!

Parents whose children are being a PITA in public should not be surprised if they are told off by strangers. My ds6 got told off in a shoe shop last week whilst I was distracted talking to a shop assistant about the shoes I was buying him. He was being silly so I'm glad he was told off tbh!

@QuackersQuestion

No it's not ok for children to chase ducks (or any other wildlife)

yes , I do tell them not to.

No, it's not alright to chase ducks about and yes, I have told children and teens to stop doing so when I've seen them. Some young lads from the scouts or cubs or whatever refused and laughed at me so I went and found the adults with their group and told them.

Not ok. Often when I see kids chasing pigeons and ducks (and sometimes trying to stomp on them) the parents are laughing and even encouraging them. I despair of the human race ☹️

It's disappointing that anyone has to ask! Of course it's wrong for children to chase ducks or any other bird or creature.

If it happened more than once without a parent or adult stopping the children, then I would also have said something along the lines of what was said. I have done so in the past. Same for wilful destruction of trees/plants.

Definitely not OK, it’s cruel.

Not many ducks near me, but I tell kids off in the park if I see them chasing pigeons.

Sorry - clicked on the wrong link. Should have been YABU - it's bad for them to chase ducks.

It's dickish in the extreme to let your kids chase ducks.

I'm surprised you even need to ask. The ducks are living, sentient creatures and you're asking if it's OK or not for some little brats to scare the bejesus out of them by chasing them persistently?

And yes, they'd get told.

Of course it’s horrible to chase wildlife - it’s traumatising. I’ve told kids not to chase all manner of birds before when their parents haven’t seen fit to do it themselves - they are not playthings, they are living, breathing animals.

Really sad you feel the need to ask this because everyone should know.

I don't understand why anyone would let their child do this when it's such a good opportunity to teach them to care for and respect wildlife. I wouldn't call out another child unless they were actually about to make physical contact if a parent was present but no way would I let ds do that.

Would it be ok for an elephant to chase your children?

No…it’s horrible, poor wee ducks. They’re not there for kids entertainment and it’s great that a member of the public stepped up when their parent didn’t.

No it's not ok for kids to chase and scare any bird or living creature and any parent that stands by and lets their kid do that are just absolute arsholes. I remember catching my nephew (7 at the time) kick a duck up its bum in the park. My sister did absolutely nothing. I will admit I did get revenge on both my sister and nephew for that poor duck. I won't go into detail but they both deserved what they got.

Of course it's not ok. How would you liked to be chased by something much bigger than you

its fine to chases ducks

Not just children either! A pond in the park near us ,has clear signs no dogs allowed. A woman was letting her dog bark and frighten some ducks.chasing them.all round. A husky dog killed a cygnet .1 of 6 . How does anyone expect to have healthy plentiful wildlife.some respect for our beautiful birds please

I don't think it's ok to chase ducks. But the double think on mumsnet is sometimes astonishing. I presume everyone on this thread is vegetarian, or at least, never eats crispy duck from a Chinese.